Hopewell High School
ON MARCH 14, 2017, Youthlink travelled to the western sections of Jamaica to discern what makes Hopewell High School different from all other high schools in St James. Though the day got off to a slow start, it gradually gained momentum, which made our experience a lot more memorable.
Hopewell High first opened its doors on September 4, 2006, with a total of 391 students: 207 females and 184 males. The academic staff comprised 19 members. The first batch of students hailed mainly from the parishes of St James ad Hanover. There were seven groups of grades-seven students and seven groups of grade-nine students. Like most schools in Jamaica, Hopewell is operated by the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Education.
With a mission ‘To create and maintain an environment which fosters the holistic development of the leaner: thus equipping them with the skills, values, attitudes necessary for them to function effectively in the global market’, Hopewell implores all students to strive for what they believe in, thus enabling graduates to further their education. A special grade exists in which students can begin the CAPE programme. As time progresses, the hope is that they will be allowed the opportunity to sit the CAPE examinations.
One of the major obstacles that Hopewell High is currently facing is the frequent tardiness and indiscipline of its students, but a number of disciplinary measures have been implemented to get those situations under control. Security at the school has tremendously improved to reduce the number of violent incidents on the school compound. The boundary fence has also been renovated and a number of security camera have been installed to enable surveillance of the entire compound at all times.
In spite of all this, Hopewell has a lot to boast about. It is very proud of the relationship between the members of staff and the students. Their bond resembles that of a family and it is something they strive to improve on a day-to-day basis.